Chicago is home to one of the most active theatre communities in the United States. Within the city are large production companies, mid-sized organizations, and small, independent productions. Actors can experiment with productions of varying size and subject matter, ranging from Broadway-ready, full-scale musicals to experimental art pieces. Find out how to navigate auditions, where to look, and how to prepare in a way that fits Chicago’s theatre culture.
Understanding Chicago’s Theater Scene
Theatre in Chicago is known for its range. You can find everything from Shakespeare productions to new works, storefront theatre to musicals, experimental to underground. Community theatre and high-quality companies abound, while many colleges also have their own programs, whether they are a performing arts school or not.
If you’re an actor looking to break onto a bigger stage, check out these major theatre production companies in the city:
| Theatre Company | Location(s) | Sign Up Season | Audition Season | Non-Equity Option? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodman Theatre | 170 N Dearborn Street | November | January | Yes |
| Steppenwolf Theatre | 1650 N. Halsted St. | Spring | Spring | Yes |
| Lookingglass Theatre | 163 Pearson St at Michigan Ave | Spring | Spring | Yes |
| Chicago Shakespeare Theatre | 800 East Grand Avenue | Per production | Per production | Yes |
| Chicago Shakespeare Theatre | 800 East Grand Avenue | Late winter | Early spring | No |
These main companies often hire Equity and non-Equity/open audition actors, depending on the production.
Aside from the main players, there are dozens of smaller theatres to explore as well. While they may operate on more limited budgets, they offer frequent opportunities for actors and are generally well-produced. These productions often rely on non-Equity auditions and open submissions. Some theatres even host Broadway general auditions, allowing Chicagoans to book for New York productions.
Key Platforms for Audition Listings
Finding auditions is half the battle! There are a few trusted sources for discovering new audition opportunities in Chicago. They are usually updated frequently and used by casting teams and actors to coordinate.
League of Chicago Theatres
Staying up-to-date on auditions requires visiting the theatres’ websites or Chicago Theatre Auditions frequently. The League of Chicago Theatres maintains a centralized listing of auditions and casting calls for easy access to local actors. Performers can find both Equity and non-Equity opportunities. It’s the most consistent, popular source for updated Chicago theatre auditions.
Theatre in Chicago
This platform provides audition information alongside show directories and industry news. It’s useful for actors and theatre fans to track active productions and learn about upcoming seasons. It’s especially helpful for finding smaller theatre companies that might not appear on the larger casting sites.
It has a lot of the same artistic energy as New York or Los Angeles in terms of getting your hands on really great projects.
Ireon Roach, actor in Chicago
Facebook Groups
Facebook is a valuable resource in the Chicago theatre community. Several Chicago-based groups share real-time audition notices and updates, making it the best place to find out the latest and most detailed information not available on regular sites. Many groups post last-minute opportunities. Directors, casting agents, theatre companies, fellow actors, and others in the industry all post in the various groups.
Some of the most essential groups include:
- Chicago Theatre Chat/Auditions & Show Info
- Chicago Casting
- Chicago Suburbs Theater Group
- Auditions and Opportunities to Perform in Chicago
- Acting Opportunities in Chicago
Some groups even allow pictures, videos, and other information about yourself that you think might get you noticed by a casting agency.
Types of Auditions
A unique feature of Chicago’s theatre scene is its audition structure. The city operates under two different pathways: Equity and non-Equity. Understanding which pathway is available to you before you register for an audition is important.
Equity Auditions
Equity auditions are exclusively for members of the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), which is the union for professional stage actors. Any actor who has worked for a stage production in a paid role is eligible to join (provided you are not under a non-union contract and are prepared to pay the membership fees).
Key features of the AEA include:
- Contract negotiations, including pay and conditions, are conducted by the union for you
- Health and job security insurance
- Priority access to auditions for many productions
Some Equity productions allow non-union actors to audition if there’s enough time at the end of the audition day. These are called Equity Principal Auditions (EPAs). Being a member of the union can open doors to higher-profile productions, but it also limits what you can do, since you can no longer take on non-union work.1
Being part of a union helps ensure you receive the pay, treatment, and benefits you deserve. The caveat is making sure to not to go against the membership contract. As an Equity member, you are not allowed to perform in any role without an AEA contract for that role, or you may be expelled from the union.
Non-Equity Auditions
Non-equity auditions are open to all actors, even those who are not part of the union. They are what many people would think of when talking about auditions or casting calls. These roles tend to be more aligned with the “artist” aesthetic associated with stage performance.
Non-equity roles tend to:
- Encompass open calls or online submissions
- Have flexible casting requirements
- Offer unpaid or stipend-based roles
- Be associated with a wide range of production sizes
Like in many places, non-equity work is common in Chicago. This type of experience is usually how actors build up their resumes and connections. Casting directors often attend non-union shows to scope out talent and recommend actors for future roles. You can find non-equity roles to audition for in Atlanta and other cities across the country.
How to Get Ready for Your Next Audition
Being prepared to give a good audition takes a lot of time and energy. Auditions in Chicago are mostly like auditions anywhere else in the country. Casting teams expect actors to arrive ready and demonstrate a good work ethic.
To prepare for your audition, you’ll need to go through several steps:
- Familiarize yourself with the production company and the role/production you’re auditioning for
- Practice your acting, dance, and voice skills to remain sharp and confident
- Update your resume and headshot (if needed), and print a few copies for audition day
- Prepare one or two monologues that suit the role you’re auditioning for
- Practice a song if auditioning for a musical
- Find techniques that help you stay calm while waiting for your audition
- Drink plenty of water while waiting
The most important thing to remember about your audition is to prepare material that meets the expectations of the casting team. Most auditions ask for one or two monologues that are less than two minutes long. Songs are generally 16 bars, or about 1 minute; some may ask you to perform acapella, while others may prefer accompaniment, usually from a pianist in the room.
Dance roles may require a choreography demonstration on the spot, or you may need to wait for a callback. You may also be expected to perform new choreography that the casting team assigns during your audition. Overall, performers need to be composed, professional, confident, and able to pivot easily.
Join Local Theatre Groups
To gain experience for bigger roles, you need to start small. Prepare by working within the local theatre community. Learn the ropes of being in a production as part of a team.
In Chicago, there are many ways to gain this experience:
- Community theatre
- Acting workshops and classes
- Ensemble-based companies
- Student productions
Participating in these productions allows you to practice performing regularly with guidance from more experienced actors and directors. Building relationships with various crew members is invaluable, and networking can help you find more work in the future. You’ll also understand the audition and rehearsal process for most musical theatre auditions, and see all the work that goes into a finished production. Above all, you’ll also get feedback on your performance, so you know how to improve in the future.
Follow those theaters and get in with playwrights. Because Chicago playwrights are some of the smartest people I know, and they are so passionate about the work.
Ireon Roach, actor in Chicago
Hone Your Skills
Taking lessons and practicing your acting, singing, vocal, and dancing skills regularly will help you stay ready to perform at any audition, even if you haven’t had much time to prep. Working with a vocal coach can be a great way to learn valuable methods to improve your singing and speaking voice. They can help you
- Sound more confident even when you’re not acting
- Avoid unintentional vocal flaws like squeaking, breaking, etc.
- Access vocal ‘flaws’ intentionally for effect
- Learn warm ups and exercises to condition your voice
Submitting for Chicago Theater Auditions
Many Chicago theater auditions require in-person appointments, but some also allow online submissions. Check each production company’s website to see which type of appointment you can make. Whenever possible, in-person is usually the best way to go.
If you can and need to submit your application and audition online, you’ll typically need to:
- Upload your headshot and resume
- Include a cover note
- Record your monologues and/or song
- Follow any specific instructions listed in the casting call
- Submit the material through email or an online submission form before the deadline
When self-taping, be sure to put effort into the lighting and sound quality. Find a suitable place to record if you don't have one at home. One pitfall to avoid is re-recording your piece over and over.
While online submissions give you an advantage in that you can avoid sending in a bad take, you run the risk of overthinking your shot. Simply prepare as normal in advance, and try to get it in one take to get the most authentic and confident interpretation. This advice is also useful when auditioning for parts in Phoenix or elsewhere.
What Casting Teams Look For
When you know what the casting team is evaluating, it can be easier to prepare. The decisions involved with casting are practical. Casting directors are looking for actors who can serve the production effectively, both as a talent and as a team member. When watching an audition, they consider several factors. Here’s what you need to know, and how you can hone each element.
Practice your skills to feel natural. Get comfortable with pivots and taking direction, should the casting team ask you to approach the material differently.
Confidence and control over your movements and voice quality go a long way.
Even if you’re a perfect actor, if you don’t fir the role, there’s no helping it. Accept that this is part of acting and don’t take it personally if you’re not selected.
Politeness and punctuality are paramount. Arrive to your auditions early, follow all directions by staff, present your printed materials to the casting crew and introduce yourself promptly and concisely. Remember to thank the team at the end!
Presenting the image of a reliable actor anyone would want to work with can help secure your role or future opportunities.
Acting in Chicago is a great endeavour. Many performers at all levels seek acting opportunities in the Windy City, as it offers world-class productions, even at the smallest companies. Preparing to audition should be considered seriously, so you have the best chance to impress the casting crew and earn your place on the stage.
References
- “About Equity.” AEA Public Site, actorsequity.org/aboutequity. Accessed 24 May 2026.
- “Auditions.” Goodman Theatre, 6 Nov. 2025, www.goodmantheatre.org/artists-archive/auditions. Accessed 24 May 2026.
- “Casting.” Steppenwolf Theatre Company, www.steppenwolf.org/about-us/work-with-us/casting. Accessed 24 May 2026.
- “How to Become an Actor in Chicago.” Casting Networks, 17 Sept. 2025, www.castingnetworks.com/news/how-to-become-an-actor-in-chicago. Accessed 24 May 2026.
- “Work With CST.” Chicago Shakespeare Theater, www.chicagoshakes.com/what-we-do/work-with-cst. Accessed 24 May 2026.
- “Work With Us.” Lookingglass Theatre Company, 11 May 2026, lookingglasstheatre.org/work-with-us/#casting. Accessed 24 May 2026.
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